American Record Falls Again to Katie Ledecky in 500-Yard Freestyle (4:26.58)

Katie Ledecky shows her feelings after her world-record form [Photo: Peter Bick]

This weekend marks the end of Katie Ledecky’s high school career, and her farewell is off to a superb start. The distance-freestyle ace lowered her own American record in the 500-yard freestyle at the Washington Metro Championships on Friday night, thanks to a time of 4:26.58. That effort easily dipped under her former standard of 4:28.71, set at the same meet last year.

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This weekend marks the end of Katie Ledecky’s high school career, and her farewell is off to a superb start. The distance-freestyle ace lowered her own American record in the 500-yard freestyle at the Washington Metro Championships on Friday night, thanks to a time of 4:26.58. That effort easily dipped under her former standard of 4:28.71, set at the same meet last year.

Comments

Mark Schwartz
February 7, 2015

Often when you see a record broken by Ledecky, you’ll notice that the previous mark was held by Dagny Knutson. Choosing to turn pro rather than swimming in college turned out to be a disaster for her. People often talk about the money associated with turning professional. But perhaps a scholarship to and a degree from a Stanford University is worth more in the long run.

We’ll never know how Knutson would have done swimming in college. A large sample is needed to know what is best on average, and what is best will always differ individually.

Anyway, awesome time by Ledecky. This summer will be very interesting again.

Dave
February 7, 2015

Note her last two splits: 26, 25 high. That’s outrageous. I can’t remember a more electrifying swimmer and I’ve been a fan since the mid eighties.

Responding to the above comments, Knutson experienced unbelievably bad luck, took some poorly timed advice from people who should have known better and faced difficult personal issues she had been struggling with for years. Knutson’s been open an honest about these difficulties. Ledecky is simply delaying college for one year. I believe she’s surrounded herself with an excellent support structure and, perhaps most importantly, seems to be an exceptionally grounded and determined person. She’ll be fine.

Felixtzu
February 11, 2015

You can’t compare Knutson’s situation with Ledecky. Knutson had the potential to be a great swimmer, Ledecky was there at 15.

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